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Nutritional Supplements for the Prostate

If a man lives long enough, chances are he will suffer from some sort of medical issue with his prostate. The body's need for vitamins and nutrients goes way up when it is fighting disease, so supplements may be necessary for men suffering from prostate problems.

  1. The Facts

    • According to the 2001 California Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 200,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the U.S. each year, and 32,000 die of the disease annually. In addition, 70 percent of American men will suffer from benign prostastic hyperplasia, or BPH, otherwise known as an enlarged prostate, by the time they reach age 70.

    Vitamins

    • Age leads to an increased vitamin D deficiency and with it a higher risk of prostate cancer. Evidence indicates that vitamin D may slow the growth of advanced prostate cancer.

      While vitamin E consumed through foods is absorbed by the body more efficiently than supplements, both have been found to inhibit the growth of malignant prostate cells.

    Minerals

    • Selenium is a trace mineral and antioxidant that works in conjunction with vitamin E to prevent prostate cancer and to inhibit the growth of tumors.

      The prostate gland contains a large amount of zinc, which may help it to fight infection. While no large studies have offered conclusive evidence, zinc deficiency may lead to BPH.

    Herbs

    • Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement that may be beneficial in the treatment of urinary symptoms caused by BPH. It has no proven effect, however, on prostate cancer.

      Stinging nettle may help to inhibit the growth of prostate cells and malignant cancer cells.

    IP6 Phytate

    • The supplement IP6 (phytate), found in a variety of foods including beans, corn and wheat, has been shown to inhibit a number of cancer cell lines, including prostate cancer.

    Dosages

    • Supplemental vitamin D dosage is 800 to 1,000 IU daily in the fall and winter, and 400 to 800 IU a day in the spring and summer. Recommended dosage of vitamin E is 50 to 100 IU daily. A dose of 100 to 200 micrograms of selenium a day is associated with a decrease in both localized and advanced prostate cancers. It is recommended that zinc levels should not exceed 15 mg daily. While popularly used in European countries, saw palmetto, stinging nettle and phytate are not considered standard care in the United States. Dosage recommendations should be made by a physician.

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